arts funding

The National Endowment for the Arts has made a preliminary decision saying Kansas is once again eligible to receive federal matching funds for arts programs. That decision was revealed during a meeting of the state's arts agency Friday.

When Governor Sam Brownback vetoed state arts funding in 2011, Kansas lost federal matching dollars. With some arts funding restored, the NEA says Kansas could be eligible for up to $560,000 in matching funds this fiscal year.

Peter Jasso, director of the Creative Arts Industries Commission, called the decision great news.

Eight Kansas arts organizations are receiving grants totaling $58,400 from the Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission. The grants come two years after Governor Brownback vetoed all arts funding in the state. The Commission formed in 2012 when the legislature restored a part of that funding following significant backlash.

Bob Workman was named director of the Ulrich Museum in November of last year. He has a strong arts and museum administration background that started at the Ulrich back when he was a student at Wichita State University in the late 1970s.

“This is the place that really launched my art career, so when the opportunity presented itself to return to Wichita and lead the Ulrich to its next phase of growth I was very excited to have that chance,” says Workman.

The new agency formed to fill the gap in Kansas arts funding began it’s first round of grant opportunities this week, but the grants are very different from those that were offered through the now defunct Kansas Arts Commission.

The agency that was formed by the 2012 Kansas legislature to replace the Kansas Arts Commission is holding a series of public input meetings.

The Kansas Creative Arts Industries Commission (CAIC) seeks public input to guide future activities and to help draft a strategic plan for FY 2014 that starts July 1.

The CIAC was awarded $700,000 for operations and grants in fiscal year 2013. It was the first time that state funding was available for Kansas arts agencies since Gov. Sam Brownback fired the staff of the Kansas Arts Commission and vetoed arts funding in 2011.

Wichita officials say the roads will likely be more hazardous with this second storm; Gov. Brownback extends state of emergency declaration to include new storm; Some area schools and universities are closed.

Wichita Officials: Get Ready For Storm, Round Two

City of Wichita officials are urging residents to stay off the roads and prepare for another round of heavy snowfall.